Thompson's Harbor State Park

Undeveloped State Park with 7.5 miles of Lake Huron shoreline

Situated along seven and a half miles of Lake Huron shoreline with over 5,000 acres of undeveloped land, this undeveloped State Park provides a rustic retreat for hikers and cross-country skiers to explore the park's six miles of trails. Primitive hiking trails wander through the second-growth forest, sand dunes, and limestone cobble beaches. Ideal for birding and hunting. Visitors are encouraged to bring a map and compass and explore the uncharted areas of the park.

Groomed ski trails are track-set. Snowshoers and fat tire bikers - please take care to keep off set ski tracks. There are no groomed trails for fat tire bikes.

Thompson's Harbor now has two rustic cabins. (Cedar Haven Cabin is universally accessible). Vehicle access limited to the access road and parking lots. 

Birding Site: The park is located adjacent to US-23 about 12.8 miles east of Rogers City and 23 miles north of Alpena; turn onto the marked access road to the park (again, motor vehicle permit required for entry). Go for a half mile, and then turn right and go 0.6 miles to the Trailhead. From here, several well-marked trails loop out towards Lake Huron. An early morning walk in June is an auditory challenge to the visiting birdwatcher! Good birding habitats include the re-growing clear-cut area along the main Trailhead Road, the brushy alder swale where the Grand Lake Outlet crosses Old State Road, and the cattail marsh (where Virginia Rails, Least Bittern, and Marsh Wren nest) at the end of Thompson Harbor Road. THSP is a well-known site for the wide variety of wildflowers! Hunting is allowed in season, so dress appropriately if you are here during October and November.

Access Type: Via Gravel or Dirt Road

Launch Type: Carry-in Launching (Kayak)

Beach Type: Gravel/Cobble

Beach Approach: Moderate Banks

Vehicle Parking: State-installed barriers to stop atv and vehicles accessing and using the beach

Notes: Outlet of Grand Lake; carry Kayak to Lake Huron is about 330 feet. This is the last launch site to access the lake to paddle to Rogers City. Best to carry to the lake Shore and not use the river. The site is well situated for day paddles around the park and to Presque Isle Harbor

Things To Do: Birding, Canoeing, Cross-Country Skiing, Fat Tire Biking, Fishing, Hiking, Hunting, Kayaking, Scuba Diving or Snorkeling, Snowshoeing, Swimming

Open: Year-round; Restrooms Available; Handicap Accessible